The 17-year-old skater achieved many of his dreams in the Games, including representing the Philippines and qualifying for the finals of the figure skating competition, where he placed 19th in the 30-man field.

He also got to skate with some of the best in the sport, including his idol, Patrick Chan of Canada.

“Surprisingly, they are so very kind and yeah, they actually approached me and congratulated me, that I am the very first Filipino to compete here in the Olympic Games in figure skating,” said Martinez of his fellow skaters.

Martinez also shared the joy of making it to the Olympics with his mother, who, like him, worked hard to make it happen.

“It feels so great that I’m skating in front of her and seeing her in the seats while I am performing,” said Martinez.

“I feel very happy, because I landed my second triple axle in the halfway program so that’s an improvement,” he added. “I got the chance to land some of my jumps… I am aiming for the next Olympic Games and try to get a medal.”

He is also grateful for the recognition that he has been getting in Sochi, even from international media.

Martinez and his mother are praying that they will have sufficient financial support to pay for these world-class coaches.

“I received an e-mail tonight from somebody in the Philippines who wants to discuss the possibility of funding him until 2018,” said Martinez’s mother, Maria Teresa. “So that one is very good news for us.”

Martinez is still in Sochi, where he is practicing for his next big event – the world junior championships in Bulgaria.